Cutting device for winding machines



June 25, 1957 s. FURsT CUTTING DEVICE FOR WINDING MACHINES Filed July 22. 1954 v IflVWfU/T STEFAN FuRs-r BY:

Unit States Patent CUTTING DEVICE FOR WINDING MACHENES Stefan Fiirst, M. Gladbach, Germany, assignor to Dr. Ing. Walter Reiners, Glndbacli, Germany Application July 22, 1954, Serial No. 445,6)65

Claims priority, application Germany July 27, 1953 18 Claims. (Cl. JIM-35.6)

The present invention relates to cutting devices for winding machines, and more particularly to a cutting device for cutting the thread Of a let-off bobbin when only a few windings of thread remain thereon.

It has been found that during the automatic unwinding of thread from bobbins, the replacement of the empty bobbin by a full bobbin is frequently disturbed since the last windings of thread on the bobbin are often intertwined so that they do not wind ofi the bobbin before the bobbin is removed.

If this is the case, the thread breaks and the end of the thread is retained by the thread tensioning means. In this moment, the empty bobbin is thrown out, but cannot drop since it hangs from the thread which is held by the thread tensioning means so that the exchange of bobbins is interrupted until the empty bobbin is manually removed.

It is one object of the present invention to overcome this disadvantage of the known let-ofi bobbin changing arrangements, and to provide a means for cutting the thread which becomes effective when the bobbin is almost empty.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such cutting means intermediate the thread tensioning means and the bobbin from which thread is unwound.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide thread cutting means for cutting the thread of a bobbin from which thread is unwound, and to operate the thread cutting means in synchronismwith the bobbin shifting means which shift the bobbin from its unwinding position to another position in. which winding is terminated.

It is a still further object of the present invention to support the bobbin on movable, supporting means which move almost empty bobbins to a removal position in which they are removed, and to operatively connect. the thread cutting means to the movable supporting means so that the thread is cut when the, bobbin is moved. to the removal position.

, With these objects in view the, present invention mainly consists in a cutting device for cutting the thread-of, a

bobbin before the same is removed, and. comprises, in combination, movable bobbin shifting means for moving a bobbin from a first position in which thread: is unwound therefrom to a second position. in which unwinding is terminated; thread guiding means; arranged spaced from. the bobbin shiftingmeans for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off, the bobbin; thread cutting; means arranged, along the path: intermediate the thread guiding means and the bobbin shifting means; and, operating means; for simultaneously. actuating the thread cutting means to cut the thread and the bobbin shifting means to move the bobbin from the first position to the second position.

According to a preferred embodiment of. the, present invention, the cutting device comprises, movable bobbin-1 being pivotable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation; thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin, the thread guiding means being arranged spaced from the bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate the thread guiding means and the bobbin supporting means, the thread cutting means being movable between a thread cutting position projecting into the path and an inoperative position spaced from the path; a turnable member having an axis extending parallel to the pivoted supporting core in the second position and adapted to extend a parallel to the axis of the bobbin during unwinding; first means connecting the movable bobbin supporting means with the turnable member; and second means connecting the thread cutting means with the turnable member so that the thread cutting means moves to the thread cutting position when the bobbin supporting means moves from the first position to the second position for removal of the bobbin.

The thread cutting means is preferably a scissors-like device which includes a pivoted member operated by lever means which are secured to the turnable member.

Preferably the thread cutting device is mounted on an adjustable support for adjusting the distance between the thread cutting means and the unwound bobbin so that bobbins of difierent lengths can be unwound in the machine. In this event the length of the turnable member is adjustable, and the adjustable support is made telescopically expansible, so that it is possible to adjust the distance between the cutting means and the bobbin supporting means while the operative connection between these members is maintained.

Instead of telescopic construction, a grooved shaft, a square shaft and similar elements permitting adjustment of the position of the thread cutting means may be used.

Preferably the cutting means is supported on a plate which is formed with a recess for guiding the thread to the cutting means, and simultaneously preventing ballooning of the thread. Since the distance between the plate and the bobbin supporting means is adjustable, the cutting means can be arranged, in the most favorable position for preventing ballooning of the thread.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both. as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof,

will be best understood from the following description.-

of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodimentof. the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan View of the cutting means shown on an enlarged scale; 7

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting means taken on line IIIIII in Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line IV-IV in Fig. 1.

Referring now to the drawing, and more particularly to Fig. 1, in a bobbin magazine 1, a number of full bobbins 2 is provided, which slide down the sliding face 4 when an empty bobbin is to be replaced by a full bobbin. On a shaft 19 a movable supporting means 16 is mounted: which: consists: of a member 1'7 fixed to the shaft 1?, and of a clamping member 18;. which is turn.- able with, respect to: the shaft, 1-9- andto member 1:71 A spring, notshown, urges the members 17 and 18; apart. The clamping member 11.8v is; urged by the spring into, a position spaced from member 17; for clamping; a; bobbin 2' into which the movable supporting core 16 projects.

An extension 20 engages a stop 21 in the position A in which the supporting core 16 receives a new bobbin. The stop 21 urges the clamping member 18 into a position in which the supporting core 16 can pass into a corresponding axial hole in the bobbin.

The shaft 19 is turnable from the position in which the core 16 is in position A for recieving a bobbin to a second position B in which winding is terminated for removal of the bobbin. Between positions A and B, the shaft holds the bobbin supporting core 16 in a position in which thread is unwound from the bobbin. In this unwinding position C the bobbin 2' points at the cutting means 5.

The cutting means are best seen in Figs. 2 and 3 which show a pivoted arm 5' of the scissors-like cutting means 5 operated by a lever 9 which is fixed to a shaft 14. Shaft 14 is turnable in a tubular member 13 which supports the supporting plate 7 on which the cutting means 5 is mounted by a pin 5". The supporting plate 7 is formed with a recess 6 which is composed of a substantially circular portion merging into a flaring mouth portion. Recess 6 serves for guiding the thread F into the scissorsdike cutting means 5, and at the same time prevents ballooning of the thread. In order to place the supporting plate 7 into a position in which ballooning of the thread is reliably prevented, the position of the tubular supporting member 13 can be adjusted by telescopically sliding the tubular supporting member 13 in the tubular guiding means 13'.

A turnable member is mounted in the tubular members 13 and 13 and consists of the shaft portion 14, the square portion 14, a square guide channel 14", and a tubular member 12 sliding in said guide channel. Moving up and down of the square portion 14 will effect an adjustment of the length of the turnable members 12, 14 so that its length can be adapted to the position of the supporting plate 7 and of the thread cutting means 5.

A lever 3, best seen in Fig. 2 is fixed to member 12 and is connected by a link 15 to the movable supporting means 16, and preferably to the clamping member 18 so that turning of the supporting means 16 between the positions A, B and C will effect turning of the turnable members 12, 14 and thereby operation of the cutting means 5 by lever 9.

The thread F which is unwound from the bobbin 2 passes through the recess 6, the cutting means 5, over a guiding means to the thread tensioning means 11, and from there to the take-up roller, not shown in the drawing. The guiding means 10 and the bobbin supporting means 16 define a path for the thread F.

The arrangement operates in the following manner:

After an empty bobbin has been removed from the bobbin supporting means 16 in the position B, the operating means, which include the shaft 19, turn the supporting means 16 into the position A in which a bobbin 2, sliding down the guiding face 4, is engaged by the supporting means 16. In this position the members 17 and 18 are superimposed due to the action of the stop 21 so as to fit into the axial hole in the bobbin.

Thereupon the operating means, and more particularly the shaft 19, turn the bobbin supporting means 16 into the position C in which the bobbin points at the recess 6, and at the thread cutting means 5.

The automatic knotting device of the machine, not shown, is now operated and engages the thread and connects it with the thread end which was taken from the previously unwound and now removed bobbin. The operation of the knotting device is known, and not an object of the present invention.

- Who the bobbin is almost completely unwound in the position C, and only a few windings remain thereon which are so intertwined as to prevent diificulties for further unwinding, the supporting means 16 is turned by v 4 the operating means 19 into the position B in which the bobbin is removed.

The movement of the bobbin supporting means 16 is transferred through the link 15 and the lever 3 to the turnable members 12, 14 which operates the cutting means 5 through lever 9 to move from the inoperative position shown in Fig. 2 to a thread cutting position so that the thread is cut. Thereupon the operating means 19 turn the bobbin supporting means 16 again into the position A in which a new bobbin 2 is received so that the device is ready to move into the position C in which the knotting means, not shown, connect the thread to the loose thread end.

It will be understood that members 9, 12, 14, 3 and 15 constitute motion transmitting means connecting the cutting means 5 to the bobbin supporting means 16 so that the cutting device 5 is operated whenever the bobbin supporting means 16 moves a bobbin from unwinding position C to bobbin removal position B. Consequently, member 16 constitutes a bobbin shifting means for shifting the bobbin between the above described positions.

The position of a cutting means 5, and of the supporting and guiding plate 7 is adjusted according to the length of the bobbin, the distance between the thread guide means 10 and the bobbin supporting means 16, and the properties of the thread. The recess 6 is provided for preventing ballooning of the thread which requires adjustment of the distance between the bobbin 2 and the guiding plate 7.

The telescopic arrangement of the members 13, 13 permits adjustment of the position of members 7 and 5, and requires an adjustment of the length of the turnable members 12, 14 which is obtained by adjusting it up or down of the portion 14' into and out of the tubular member 12 by means of the square portion 14.

According to the present invention, the thread of an unwound bobbin is cut off between the bobbin supporting means and the thread tensioning device 11 when the bobbin is almost empty, so that it is impossible that the thread of a removed bobbin breaks between the take-up roll and the thread tensioning means 11 which would cause the removed bobbin to hang on the thread tensioning means. The thread cutting means 5 may also be oper ated when the unwinding is disturbed before the bobbin is almost empty.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more togethenmay also find a useful application in other types of cutting devices for winding machines differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a cutting device for a winding machine by which the thread of an unwound bobbin is cut before the almost empty bobbin is removed, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpointof prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and,,therefore, such adaptations should and are intended tobe comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

' What isclaimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin shifting means for moving a bobbin from a first position in which thread is unwound therefrom to a second position in which unwinding is terminated; thread guiding means arranged spaced from said bobbin shifting means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin; thread cutting means arranged along said path intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin shifting means; and operating means for simultaneously actuating said thread cutting means to cut the thread and said bobbin shifting means to move said bobbin from said first position to said second position.

2. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin shifting means for moving a bobbin from a first position in which thread is unwound therefrom to a second position in which unwinding is terminated; thread guiding means arranged spaced from said bobbin shifting means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin; thread cutting means arranged along said path intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin shifting means; and motion transmitting means connecting said bobbin shifting means with said thread cutting means for simultaneous operation so that said thread cutting means cuts the thread when the bobbin moves to said second position.

3. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means movable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation, thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound 011 the bobbin, said thread guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means, said thread cut ting means being movable between a thread cutting position projecting into said path and an inoperative position spaced from said path; and operating means for moving said bobbin supporting means between said first position and said second position and for moving said thread cutting means from said inoperative position into said thread cutting position whensaid bobbin supporting means moves from said first position into said second position for removal of the bobbin.

4. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means movable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation; thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin, said thread guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means, said thread cutting means being movable between a thread cutting position projecting into said path and an inoperative position spaced from said path; and motion transmitting means connecting said movable bobbin supporting means with said thread cutting means for simultaneous operation so that said thread cutting means moves to said thread cutting position when said bobbin supporting means moves from said first position to said second position for removal of the bobbin.

5. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means movable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation; thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin, said thread guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means, said thread cut-' ting means being movable between a thread cutting position projectinginto said path and an inoperative position spaced from said path; a turnable member having an axis adapted to extend parallel to the axis of the bobbin during unwinding; first means connecting said movable bobbin supporting means with said turn able member; and second means connecting said thread cutting means with said turnable member so that said thread cutting means moves to said thread cutting position when said bobbin 6 supporting means moves from said first position to said second position for removal of the bobbin.

6. In an apparaus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means including a pivoted supporting core adapted to project into an axial hole in a bobbin and being pivotable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation; thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin, said thread guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means, said thread cutting means being movable between a thread cutting position projecting into said path and an inoperative position spaced from said path; a turnable member having an axis extending parallel to said pivoted supporting core in said second position and adapted to extend parallel to the axis of the bobbin during unwinding; first means connecting said movable bobbin supporting means with said turnable member; and second means connecting said thread cutting means with said turnable member so that said thread cutting means moves to said thread cutting position when said bobbin supporting means moves from said first position to said second position for removal of the bobbin.

7. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means movable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation; thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin, said thread guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means, said thread cutting means being movable between a thread cutting position projecting into said path and an inoperative position spaced from said path; an adjustable member supporting said thread cutting means; means supporting said adjustable member for movement toward and away from said movable bobbin supporting member for varying the distance between said thread cutting means and said movable bobbin supporting means; and operating means for moving said bobbin supporting means between said first position and said second position and for moving said thread cutting means from said inoperative position into said thread cutting position when said bobbin supporting means moves from said first position into said second position for removal of the bobbin.

8. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means including a pivoted supporting core adapted to project into an axial hole in a bobbin and being pivotable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation; thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin, said thread guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means, said thread cutting means being movable between a thread cutting position projecting into said path and an inoperative position spaced from said path; an adjustable member supporting said thread cutting means; means supporting said adjustable member for movement toward and away from said movable bobbin supporting member for varying the distance between said thread cutting means and said movable bobbin supporting means; a 'turnable member having an axis extending parallel to said pivoted supporting core in said second position and adapted to extend parallel to the axis of the bobbin during unwinding; first means connecting said movable bobbin supporting means with said turnable member,

said turnable member ;being expansible in axial :direction thereof for adjusting the. length thereoftoa .variedzdistance between said thread cutting means and said movable bobbin supporting means; and second means connecting said thread cutting means with said turnable member so that said thread cutting means moves to said thread cutting position when said bobbin supporting means moves from said first position to said second position for removal of the bobbin.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim '8 wherein said adjustable member includes a tubular member; and wherein said expansible turnable member includes a portion passing through said tubular member.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said expansible turnable member includes a first tubular end portion having asquare inner guide channel; and a second end portion having a portion of square cross section projecting into said guide channel and slidably engaging the same.

11. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means movable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation; threadguiding means for guiding along a predetermined path .a thread wound off the bobbin, said thread guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means, said thread cutting means being movable between a thread cutting position projecting into said path and an inoperative position spaced from said path;'a turnable member having an axis adapted to extend parallel to the axis of the bobbin during unwinding; first lever means connecting said movable bobbin supporting means with said turnable member; and second lever means connecting said thread cutting means with said turnable member so that said thread cutting means moves to said thread cutting position when said bobbin supporting means moves from said first position to said second position for removal of the bobbin.

12. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means including a pivoted supporting core adapted to project into an axial hole in a bobbin and being pivotable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation; thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin, said thread guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means, said thread cutting means being movable between a thread cutting position projecting into said path and an inoperative position spaced from said path; an adjustable member supporting said thread cutting means; means supporting said adjustable member for movement toward and away from said movable bobbin supporting member for varying the distance between said thread cutting means and said movable bobbin supporting means; a turnable member having an axis extending parallel to said pivoted supporting core in said second position and adapted to extend parallel to the axis of the bobbin during unwinding; first lever means connecting said movable bobbin supporting means with said turnable member, said turnable member being expansible in axial direction thereof for adjusting the length thereof to a varied distance between said thread cutting means and said movable bobbin supporting means; and second lever means connecting said thread cutting means with said turnable member so that said thread cutting means moves to said thread cutting position When said bobbin supporting means moves from said first position to said second position for removalrof the bobbin.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim .1 wherein said thread cutting means is a scissors-like device.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim .1 and including a supporting member for supporting said thread cutting means, said supporting member being a plate formed with a guiding recess located adjacent said thread cutting means andladapted to guide the thread along said path and into said thread cutting means, said recess being further adapted to prevent ballooning of the thread.

15. In an apparatus of the 'type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means including a pivoted supporting core adapted to project into an axial 'hole in a bobbin and being pivotable between a first position for supporting a bobbin for an unwinding operation and a second position for supporting the bobbin for a bobbin removal operation; thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread wound off the bobbin, said thread guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means, said thread cutting means being movable between a thread cutting position projecting into said path and an inoperative position spaced from said path; an adjustable member supporting said thread cutting means, said adjustable member including a plate formed with a guiding recess located adjacent said thread cutting means and adapted to guide the thread along said path and into said thread cutting means, said recess being further adapted to prevent ballooning of the thread; means supporting said adjustable member for movement toward and away from said-movable bobbin supporting member for varying the distance between said thread cutting means and said movable bobbin supporting means; a turnable member having an axis extending parallel to said pivoted supporting .core in said second position and adapted to extend parallel to the axis of the bobbin during unwinding; first means c0nnecting said movable bobbin supporting means with said turnable member, said turnable member being expansible in axial direction thereof for adjusting the length thereof to a varied distance between said thread cutting means and said movable bobbin supporting means; and second lever means connecting said thread cutting means with said turnable member so that said thread cutting means moves to said thread cutting positon when said bobbin supporting means moves from said first position to said second position for removal of the bobbin.

16. In a machine of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means for supporting a bobbin from which a thread is unwound; thread guiding means for guiding along a predetermined path a thread being unwound from said bobbin while supported by said bobbin supporting means, said guiding means being arranged spaced from said bobbin supporting means; thread cutting means arranged intermediate said thread guiding means and said bobbin supporting means and being movable between a thread cutting position and an inoperativeposition; operating means moving from one position into another position each time a bobbin is 'to be removed from said bobbin supporting means; and means for moving said thread cutting means from inoperative into operative position in synchronism with the movement of said operating means.

17. In an apparatus of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin shifting means for moving a bobbin from a first posiiton in which thread is unwound therefrom to a second position in which unwinding is terminated; thread cutting means; and operating means for simultaneously actuating said thread cutting means to cut the thread and said bobbin shifting means to move said bobbin from said first positon to said second .position.

18. In a machine of the type described, in combination, movable bobbin supporting means for supporting a bobbin from which a thread is unwound; thread cutting means 2,797,053 9 1o movable between a thread cutting position and an in- References Cited in the file of this patent operative position; operating means moving from one UNITED STATES PATENTS position into another position each time a bobbin is to be removed from said bobbin supporting means; and 1611890 Colman Dec'281926 means for moving said thread cutting means from in- 5 FOREIGN PATENTS operative into operative position in synchronism with the 270 423 Great Britain May 9 1927 movement of said operating means.

684,007 Great Britain Dec. 10, 1952 

